In the context of leadership, in Leader’s Voice® programmes we say that our voice is a key vehicle for creating a future that does not yet exist. That always means change, and as homeostatic creatures, we tend to shy away from change, even when we know it’s good for us. Since that is the case, change requires a will i.e. the will to change.
When it comes to change, will shows up from two directions and often with significantly different consequences. Firstly, for those being faced with a change, especially when it is being handed to them, their “will” goes to work on keeping things the same. This often triggers in others what Roberto Assagioli, the founder of Psychosynthesis, called “The Strong Will”. This is the will that often forces things on others or drives forward “regardless of the obstacles”.
While this strong will has accomplished many things, it is also the will of tyrants and despots. This is different than what he called “The Good Will”, which, while very powerful, is understanding and inclusive and always supports good and positive intention. The good will calls on the strength of the individual; the inner strength that shows up as personal power and authenticity.
In our work in Leader’s Voice® in developing powerful authentic voice, we work to develop not so much a voice that has a “get out of my way, this is going to happen” sense, but one which exudes value, emotion and engagement in an impactful way.
When we look to those we would call great leaders, they, without exception, possess a powerful “good will”, more often than not expressed through their voice.